Suffering from cancer, Cami, the rescued draft horse, will remain at Angel Ridge.
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Some were deaf, blind and scared, but somehow found their way to Angel Ridge Animal Rescue in Washington County. Still others had been starved, neglected or beaten and injured, or maybe old age made them crippled and weak. With plenty of tender loving care provided by volunteers, homeless animals are provided food, shelter, veterinary care and a warm place to rest. Many rescued dogs, cats and even horses are rehabilitated at Angel Ridge and journey on to a wonderful new life.

Over the years, AR has also become a permanent home for animals that are not adoptable due to age, handicap or temperament. The 51-acre farm is not only a place to recover, but a local animal sanctuary.

The saviors of these animal castoffs are the volunteers who show love to AR residents by brushing, bathing, walking, talking to them and offering lots of affection. Other volunteers answer the phone, help with off-site adoptions, greet the visitors and help create the newsletter.

Coming to AR from an abusive situation in 2008 was Cami, a draft horse. A few months after she arrived, vets confirmed that Cami was carrying a foal. Before long, tumors were noticed in both eyes and she was taken to Ohio State University for surgery to remove the cancers. A year later, another tumor was removed. Unfortunately, cancer has again returned to both eyes. Cami cannot have more surgery, but requires constant veterinary support.

To provide the best of care, AR has initiated on-site fostering, allowing volunteers to choose a dog to spend time grooming, walking, playing ball with or just hanging out together, giving them “people” time, necessary attention they need to prepare for adoption.

AR also offers a Tree of Hope, where folks can remember a loved one with a donation to provide care for its animal residents. A $25 gift provides basic vaccinations; $75 will pay for spay or neutering; $200 will provide food for its shelter animals for one week; and $500 will help pay for emergency surgery for a rescue that may have been hit by a car.

Continuing its mission to provide quality care for homeless animals through its emergency medical fund, Angel Ridge Animal Rescue has planned the following events:

• Dogs will be available for adoption noon-8 p.m. at the Washington County Fair, Aug. 10-17. Raffles are planned and vendors will be on hand with pet items.

• Lucky Dog Days of Summer BINGO + more, Aug. 24 at the Mt. Pleasant VFD Hall in Hickory. Early Birds begin at 5:30 p.m. with regular bingo beginning at 6. Admission is $20 at the door or $18 in advance. Players will receive 12 cards, dessert, beverage and doggie gift bag. A Chinese auction, raffles, 50/50, plus opportunities to meet a few of AR’s adoption-available dogs will fill the evening. Purchase tickets at Angel Ridge, Woody’s Dog Wash and the Hickory Fire Department.

• Support Angel Ridge on Washington County Community Foundation’s Gives Day, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 10. WCCF will increase monetary gifts made by credit card through its website, www.wccfgives.org. Only registered charities in Washington County will be eligible.

• Bark in the Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 14 at the park near Allison Elementary School in Houston. Adoptable AR dogs will be on hand, plus raffles and giveaways.

Each year in the U.S., millions of dogs and cats are left homeless, either lost or no longer wanted by their owners. Only the lucky ones are fortunate to be fed and receive protection from the elements at shelters and rescue groups.